After casting over 800 votes, the regular session of the legislature ended last Thursday.
Importantly, several bills of local significance passed last week and head to Gov. McMaster’s desk for his signature.
On Wednesday, a bill I cosponsored to fix the Horry-Georgetown County border error passed.
For many years, Horry and Georgetown counties have recognized a border that differs from the official border as enacted in statute. As a result, about 200 parcels of land, long believed to be in Horry County, are actually in Georgetown County, raising potential issues concerning property taxes, school attendance and voting.
The bill gives Gov. McMaster the authority to call for a referendum in the affected area to allow voters to decide as to whether they wish to stay residents of Horry County or officially become part of Georgetown County.
A bill I supported to protect red drum from overfishing passed. This fishery is very important to our recreational and charter fishermen.
A recent SC Dept. of Natural Resources stock assessment of red drum determined the stock is overfished and that current landings are unsustainable. The bill reduces the daily bag limit from three per person to two per person and institutes a boat limit of six fish per day. The current size slot limit of 15 to 23 inches for red drum would remain the same.
From a statewide perspective, a bill passed this week to place a constitutional amendment question on the ballot in November that asks voters if they approve of granting the governor the authority to appoint the state superintendent of education instead of keeping it as an elected position. If voters approve, the final election for the position will be this year.
While the legislative session has ended, there is still unfinished legislative business, so there will be special legislative sessions on May 24-25 and June 27-28 to deal with legislation related to the failed VC Summer nuclear reactor project and to finalize the budget respectively.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent District 108. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.
Rep. Lee Hewitt